The Sacred Flow: Why Tarpan Should Be Performed with River Water
In Hindu tradition, Tarpan is a sacred act of offering water to the divine, the sages, and one's ancestors (Pitrs). It is a ritual of remembrance, gratitude, and spiritual connection, symbolizing the eternal bond between the living and those who have transcended. The water offered in Tarpan acts as a bridge between realms, carrying the devotee’s prayers and offerings to the higher planes.
The Bhishma Episode and the Origin of the Practice
The significance of using river water for Tarpan finds a profound illustration in the Mahabharata. During the Kurukshetra war, when Bhishma Pitamah lay upon a bed of arrows awaiting his final moment, he refrained from drinking ordinary water. Bound by his vow and purity of purpose, he declared that he would receive only water worthy of his divine lineage. Arjuna, understanding Bhishma’s inner wish, drew his bow and released an arrow into the earth. From that spot, the sacred waters of Mother Ganga emerged and flowed into Bhishma’s mouth.
Bhishma, being the son of the Ganga, received the water as a final offering of divine grace—symbolic of both purification and liberation. This moment sanctified the tradition of performing Tarpan with water from the Ganga or any flowing river, which represents the eternal, purifying stream of life.
The Symbolism of Flowing Water
In Hindu philosophy, flowing water symbolizes movement towards liberation—the journey of the soul towards merging with its source. Rivers are seen as earthly manifestations of the divine feminine principle, representing compassion, nourishment, and the flow of cosmic energy. The Rig Veda (10.9.1) praises water as the source of all life: "From water is born everything; by water is sustained all beings."
Flowing rivers, therefore, signify the continuous spiritual progression from individuality to unity, from bondage to freedom. In contrast, still water—such as in wells or ponds—symbolizes stagnation and limitation. Performing Tarpan in flowing water reflects the soul’s aspiration to transcend boundaries and merge with the eternal flow of divine consciousness.
The Spiritual and Ritual Importance
The Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, and other sacred rivers are revered not merely as geographical entities but as living deities. When a person performs Tarpan in these rivers, it is believed that the offering directly reaches the ancestors. The water becomes charged with divine vibrations, carrying the essence of prayer through the natural medium of flow.
Furthermore, performing Tarpan at riverbanks promotes humility and surrender. Standing barefoot, one feels the touch of the earth and the sacred waters, symbolizing unity with nature and creation. The Garuda Purana states that offerings made in sacred rivers purify ten generations of ancestors, bestowing peace upon them and blessings upon the living.
Final Thoughts
Tarpan performed with river water is not merely a ritual—it is a profound act of remembrance and release. The flowing river serves as a reminder that life, like water, must continue to move forward, purifying and nurturing all it touches. As Bhishma attained peace through the waters of the Ganga, so too does the soul find liberation through the sanctified act of offering within the eternal, sacred flow.